Dear Vi,
I'm new in the waitering trade and I'm hoping you can help with one of my concerns. When is it appropriate to place the check on the table? Should I wait for the customer to ask me for it or deliver it when the meal is obviously finished? Waiting for your response, Debbie Diamond, St. Louis, MO

Dear Debbie,
Each house has their own rule and the style of restaurant determines what the guest's expectations level is. A fast paced, high volume restaurant may require the waiter to drop the check when the food is served. However, most restaurants wait until the end of the meal. Remember, service does not end when the check is placed on the table. Coffee and water should be refilled, ashtrays emptied, unnecessary items removed. And, never assume who will be paying the bill. We should always be anticipating our guest's needs, including when the check will be required. One of the most common customer complaints is waiting too long for the check. Generally, a check should be made readily available within 2 minutes of a guest's asking for it. A rolled up dinner napkin or a credit card placed on the table is, frequently, a signal that the meal has ended.